History

The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities
and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales
in 2009 were $12.2 billion.

Our success is driven by a tradition of well-regarded
product and process technology, and management and ethical
standards. Join us for a look back at 125 years of
breakthrough ideas and transformative innovations.

In 1883, Captain John B. Ford and John Pitcairn
established the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (PPG).
They set up shop in Creighton, Pennsylvania, along the
Allegheny River about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh.

PPG became the first commercially successful producer in the
United States of high-quality, thick flat glass using the plate
process. The company was also the world's first plate
glass plant to fuel melting furnaces with locally produced natural
gas. This innovation quickly stimulated widespread use of
clean-burning gas as an industrial fuel.

1898
The company develops a process for producing thinner glass with
the plate process, thereby broadening uses for the high-quality
glass. By the century's end, its plate glass production
capacity reaches more than 20 million square feet annually, far
exceeding that of any US competitor.

1900s
Looking ahead, PPG acquires the Patton Paint Company
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a good fit for the company since
paint and glass products typically reach the customers through the
same distribution channels. They also acquire the Columbia
Chemical Company in Barberton, Ohio to ensure the supply of
soda ash necessary to manufacture glass.

PPG becomes one of the first US firms to expand operations
in Europe, acquiring a glass plant in Belgium.

PPG opens its first research and development facility. Today PPG
operates three facilities in Pittsburgh and many more
worldwide.

1920s
The automotive industry starts using more glass as the open
touring car gives way to the sedan.

PPG acquires Ditzler Color Company and begins producing more
than 500 "harmonious hues" to 40 automakers.

1930s
PPG introduces Solexheat-absorbing glass.

PPG shows its muscle and introduces Herculite tempered glass,
several times stronger and more shatter-resistant than ordinary
plate glass.

1940s
The year before Pearl Harbor is
attacked, PPG develops laminated aircraft glass. During
WWII, the company converts much of its production into materials
for military use and begins to develop synthetic resins that lead
to plastics, high-performance paints and industrial coatings.

The company has a vision for its future as it patents
CR-39 monomer and begins a journey into creating a
successful line of optical products (which will later include
Transitions lenses).

1950s
Post-WWII prosperity leads to increased car production and home
and building construction.

The company introduces lead-free house paints and begins to
manufacture fibre glass for circuit boards, window screening, and
plastic reinforcement.

1960s
PPG's businesses are diverse. A number of foreign production
operations and strategic planning move the company toward
a global focus. At the same time, the historic plate process for
making flat glass is becoming obsolete with the adoption of the
much more efficient float process.

Reflecting its diversification, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company
changes its name to PPG Industries. As an added bonus, the company
reaches $1 billion in sales.

1970s
The oil embargo and rising costs of gas and electricity revive
interests in solar energy. PPG is the first major corporation to
develop a flat-plate solar collector.

PPG expands its groovy color palette by introducing the
DesignaColor System for custom-tinting consumer
paints.

Becoming ever more global, PPG opens a new development
laboratory in Japan for automotive coatings.

In 1998, PPG proves its can-do attitude by developing more
efficient solvent-based coatings for easy-opening lids on beverage
cans.

2000s
PPG silicas are used to strengthen the performance of athletic
footwear, while flexible coatings add durability and colour.

As the need for alternative energy sources grows, PPG fibreglass
plays a major role in the manufacturing of lighter and stronger
wind turbines. PPG broadens its transparent armour product
portfolio with the acquisition of Sierracin Corp., adding
high-performance lightweight transparent armour solutions that can
withstand severe ballistic and blast threats.

In 2008, PPG makes the largest acquisition in its history -
the SigmaKalon Group, a worldwide coatings producer. This
accelerates the company's transformation to focusing on coatings
and specialty products.